FAQs

The AeroForm Tissue Expander System is comprised of two primary components: the AeroForm Tissue Expander and the AeroForm Dosage Controller. The AeroForm Tissue Expander is a needle-free, patient-controlled tissue expander used for breast reconstruction. The Expander is placed in the chest after a mastectomy procedure. After surgery, the Expander is gradually filled with carbon dioxide using the remote AeroForm Dosage Controller. The device is easy to use and can be operated by the patient at home. By gradually expanding the device, space is created under the skin and often the muscle of the chest. After the space is created the Expander is removed and a breast implant is put in its place.

Am I a candidate for the AeroForm Expander?

The AeroForm Expander is for women who have had or are having a mastectomy procedure and elects to have tissue expansion for breast reconstruction. Please discuss this with your doctor, who can help you decide whether the AeroForm Expander is a good option for you.

I had a mastectomy years ago; am I still a candidate for the AeroForm Expander System?

The AeroForm Expander is for women who have had or are having a mastectomy procedure and elects to have tissue expansion for breast reconstruction. Please discuss this with your doctor, who can help you decide whether the AeroForm Expander is a good option for you.

Is the AeroForm System covered by health insurance?

The U.S. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires insurance companies that cover the cost of mastectomy procedures to also cover the cost of breast reconstruction. This includes coverage for breast reconstruction in women who decide to have a preventative mastectomy due to genetic risk, family history or because of cancer in the other breast. This also includes coverage of surgical procedures to the non-affected breast (breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation) to ensure both breasts are the same size, shape and position. The cost of the AeroForm Tissue Expander and Dosage Controller is included in the charges for breast reconstruction in the U.S. You should discuss any questions regarding coverage with your insurance provider.

How do I use my AeroForm Dosage Controller?

Contact your surgeon and/or refer to the Patient Guide provided to you by your surgeon.

Is there a limit to how many doses I can give myself in a day?

Yes. You will be able to deliver up to three 10cc doses per day, with a 3 hour lock out between doses, until the tissue expander has reached its target volume. For further information contact your surgeon and/or refer to the Patient Guide provided to you by your surgeon.

How long does it take for patients using AeroForm to reach full expansion?

The time it takes to reach full expansion will depend on the size of your Expander, the condition of your skin, and how often you and your surgeon decide to dose. In the XPAND clinical trial, tissue expansion with the AeroForm for all sizes took a median of 21 days as compared to 46 days for saline expanders. *

Indications for use: The AeroForm Tissue Expander System is used for soft tissue expansion in breast reconstruction following mastectomy, for the treatment of underdeveloped breasts, and for the treatment of soft tissue deformities in the breast.

The AeroForm Tissue Expander is intended for temporary subcutaneous or submuscular implantation and is not intended for use beyond six months.